BERWICK, Maine — The search for the next town manager is still under way, according to Chairman Bart Haley of the Board of Selectmen.

At their last meeting on September 17, Haley informed the public that Maine Municipal had received over 50 applications for the position, and the Board had further weeded out roughly 25 to 27 applications for review.

The Board ultimately selected six candidates for interviews and finally whittled the number to two. As of Tuesday morning, Haley stated a final decision still hadn't been reached.

On the September 17, Haley stated the Board didn't feel rushed despite the departure of former interim Town Manager Jim McMahon the following day.

"There's been some concern in the community that because of the departure of the interim town manager the Board may be feeling rushed, and I want to ensure folks that is indeed not the case," Haley announced.

"We've had a thorough process and are very comfortable with the results thus far," Haley continued. "I believe there's a high degree of confidence we will find a successful candidate."

Former interim Town Manager Jim McMahon said he felt the Board had done a very "thorough and careful search by the book."

He also introduced Richard "Gary" Stenhouse, a New Hampshire resident with over 44 years of city and town manager experience, as Berwick's next interim town manager until the Board has reached a final decision. The Board waived state and town residency requirements in order to allow Stenhouse to serve as the Town's interim manager.

Communications with Stenhouse will primarily be made through the town clerk, something McMahon described as a little "funky" but certainly legal.

Stenhouse is set to serve until October 30, 2012 — a time frame in which the Board is expected to select a full-time replacement.